Newcastle United caretaker coach Chris Hughton says goalkeeper Steve Harper is capable of making an England breakthrough.

"What has probably held him back is that he's not had a sustained run of games," said Hughton. "But if you're looking at the England quality goalkeepers in the country - he's up there with them. How many are there actually playing on a regular basis? He doesn't fall short from them - all he needs now is a long run in the side.

"He's still young enough - he's got a long period of games in front of him and perhaps the fact that he's not played that many games will help him to go on even longer."